Tuesday, December 29, 2009

I'm way behind with this song, but I just heard it by recommendation from a friend and I am in love with it! It is called "Winter Song" by Sara Bareilles and Ingrid Michaelson. It's a beautiful song, and I love that it is for winter so it is the perfect time to be enjoying this song!

Monday, December 28, 2009

Well, sadly Christmas has come and gone. Not to worry though, there is still New Years! I hope everyone enjoyed their Christmas as much as I did, and I hope Santa was good to everyone.. he was sure good to me! My favorite gifts have to be a new Lilly skirt from bRc, black riding boots from santa, tennis bracelet from my wonderful parents, and many beautiful pieces of clothing! What was your favorite gift?

With New Years Eve in just 3 short days, I have been searching high and low for the perfect outfit to wear...and what better time to shop than now! There are so many great sales still going on so there are many inexpensive New Year's Eve options!! I always love having a brand new gorgeous outfit to ring in the new year with, it may just bring me good luck! Here are a few of my favorite pieces to ring in the New Year with:

Lilly Pulitzer- I have been eyeing this dress for some time now, wouldn't it be the perfect fit for a New Years soiree?

Proenza Schouler-Barneys- Love love love this dress in the dusty rose color but I couldn't find a picture that I could upload to blogger so click the link to see the pretty pink hue!

Friday, December 25, 2009

"And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, 'Fear not: for behold, I bring unto you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the City of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.' And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God, and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.'"- Linus VanPelt, Charlie Brown Christmas

From my home to yours, may your family have a truly blessed Christmas. And although at times it's hard to get wrapped up in other things at Christmas, remembering the reason why we are celebrating is most important. "God Bless Everyone".Merry Christmas,sCe

Thursday, December 24, 2009

Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the houseNot a creature was stirring, not even a mouse; The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there;The children were nestled all snug in their beds,While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads;And mamma in her 'kerchief, and I in my cap,Had just settled down for a long winter's nap,When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.Away to the window I flew like a flash,Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snowGave the lustre of mid-day to objects below,When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,But a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny reindeer,With a little old driver, so lively and quick,I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick.More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name;"Now, Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!On, Comet! on Cupid! on, Donder and Blitzen!To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!Now dash away! dash away! dash away all!"As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky,So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,With the sleigh full of toys, and St. Nicholas too.And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roofThe prancing and pawing of each little hoof.As I drew in my hand, and was turning around,Down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound.He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot;A bundle of toys he had flung on his back,And he looked like a peddler just opening his pack.His eyes -- how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow;The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath;He had a broad face and a little round belly,That shook, when he laughed like a bowlful of jelly.He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself;A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread;He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,And filled all the stockings; then turned with a jerk, And laying his finger aside of his nose,And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose;He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight,"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night."

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Of course you all recognize this as the sleep mask, Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany's wears. Well it can be yours for the small price of $14 found here. Fred Flare to me, is a very "out there" store, and often times I stop at their website just to get a laugh or see what ridiculous things they have to offer, well they really caught my eye when they featured this! This would make a great stocking stuffer!

Also, check out the Starbucks website (here) and register your Starbucks card for a freebie on your birthday!Have a wonderful day, just 3 days until Christmas!!

Friday, December 18, 2009

This song is so beautiful, it deserves it's own post. It's called "I'm There Too" by Michelle Featherstone. I first heard it on So You Think You Can Dance when Travis Wall choreographed a beautiful dance to it. Her voice is amazing, and it is such a calming song with such loving lyrics. Normally I am not one to like these types of songs (think Sarah Mclaughlin style) but I just can't help but love this song!

Thursday, December 17, 2009

This beauty of a Kate Spade tote can be yours for just $205.99. I'm not only in love becuase it has a gorgeous bow on it, but it is also my alma mater's colors! Hello Christmas list!! Plus another big bonus is that Saks is offering free shipping with the code SAKSSHIP9. Have a fabulous day!Yours,sCe

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

In the media today, you're hard pressed to find a decent role model. Sure some are beautiful, yet they make poor decisions. Sure some are wonderful, but they just don't seem to fit the bill like Jackie O did or Audrey Hepburn did. Well here are some of my favorite women role models of today. They manage to keep their images mostly clean which leaves them with much respect.

Top to bottom: Kerri Russel, Taylor Swift, Nicole Kidman, Kelly Ripa

Who are your women role models of today? I'd love to know! Have a wonderful day!

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Well I am officially done with my fall semester! I managed to do extremely well gradewise and was aceppted into my major (minor screaming and jumping went along with this news!), so this weekend was a great end to a great semester. My family and I along with family friends headed to Washington, DC for a weekend of sightseeing! The first night, we headed to the Old Ebbitt Grill for dinner which was nothing short of delicious! We then went for a walk and saw the whitehouse and the christmas tree which was beautiful!

Above: cCm and I at Old Ebbit Grille. I had the petit filet bernaise and she had the shrimp wrap! The next day we visited the holiday market which was so neat. If you live in the D.C. area, you should check it out; there were many vendors show casing their crafts and art.Then we headed to the national archives and lucky for us the Declaration of Independence was out that day. We also went to the Smithsonian Natural History Museum and saw the gorgeous Hope diamond along with some other exquisite jewels. Now for the best part of the entire trip: Oya. This restaurant was simply and absolutely fabulous. I reccommend it to everyone. It's somewhat of a dressy place, which I loved. The ambience had a cozy modren feel. The whole menu has an asian flare which I loved becuase they had an entire page of sushi (I ordered the Salmon Tempura and the Tuna avocado rolls=Fabulous). Their price point isn't too pricey. I would say the prices range anywhere from $10-$30 depending on what or how much you order. Sushi was 6-8 rolls for around $10-$15 which I consider a good price. They also have a prix fixe menu that is $29 and it includes an appetizer, entree, and dessert and they also offer a $19 lunch prix fixe. For dessert I had a taste of the chocolate cake and the sorbets which were out of the this world. The sorbets were so flavorful, I would highly recommend them. Also, the drinks are so diffferent and intersting. They also offer a very extensive wine lists with wines from all over the world. They offer a wine flight where the pair a different wine with each course of your meal. If you have not gone to Oya, it's definitely the place to go!

aBr and I sharing a smile at Oya, even at age 11 you can love this restaurant!

The next day we headed to Georgetown for a morning of shopping! We headed to Patagonia, RL Rugby, Vineyard Vines, and Lacoste. Of course before our departure, we could not resist stopping at Georgetown Cupcake.I just may have one left over to eat today! I loved the Vanilla2, It was the perfect flavor combination of creamy icing and vanilla cake. Mother loved her gingerbread, and my father loved his Chocolate2. cCm preferred the red velvet which is the one I am going to try today!

Friday, December 11, 2009

"Celebrate Me HomeHome for the holidays,I believe I've missed each and every face,Come on and play my music,Let's turn on every love light in the place"- Kenny Loggins

I am once again headed back to the wonderful Pittsburgh, PA. I am free from schoolwork for a month! (finally breathe a sign of relief!) But before I head back to the 'burgh, I am headed to wonderful Washington, DC for a long weekend getaway with dear family friends and my family. I am so excited to see Washington at Christmas, and my parents will be sure to visit the white house Christmas tree because that is where they got engaged, and this year marks their 25th anniversary, how exciting for them! I cannot wait to share with you all my wonderful trip! Stay tuned! Have a lovely weekend and for all my fellow college students out there, may you make it home safely for a wonderful break!Yours,sCe

Thursday, December 10, 2009

As we move further and further into December, my Christmas list is slowly approaching a lengthy few pages in Word. So, if you for some reason are having troubles on what to ask for for Christmas, I am more than glad to share these lovelies with you:

One of my classic summer staples can now become a classic winter staple as well. The Greenwich boots are the perfect brown boots, and you and I both know the quality will not fall short of fabulous. Have you purchased a pair of JR's new line of flats and boots yet? I cannot wait to test them out! Have a wonderful day!Yours,sCe

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

This time of year your fanciest things are often in demand. I don't know about you, but I get sick of repeating dresses from year to year. Here are a few things I absolutely love for this holiday season...

Monday, December 7, 2009

Friday, December 4, 2009

I am loving the new Lilly bathing suits!!! The above print is my favorite, and I love the bandeau top! I cannot wait to sport this, this summer (or even better, this winter in a hot tub!).. what do you think of the new bathing suit line?I am also eyeing this beauty, it's the mila dress printed. I think it is so different, and who wouldn't want to wear a Lilly gown? I sure do! Have a wonderful day!!Yours,sCe

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Remember this show? Oh how I love it! Every once in a while, I'll catch it on TV, and every time, I fall in love again! I just love Elizabeth Montgomery's character, Sam. She is such a great actress and I think she plays her part so well! Plus, for it airing in the '60s (the first episode being in 1964), Sam's clothes are too cute! Half of the clothes I see her wear, I would wear now.Darrin and Samantha are a picture perfect American Family in the 1960's. If the cut was just a little more modern, Sam's pink wrap dress would be perfect!I love this blue dress she is wearing with the sash around the waist. It's modest yet fashionable, plus that blue hue looks great on her!I love her hair in this picture, it's such a "diva" picture of her. I wish I could see her dress in this picture, I'm sure it would have been so pretty! Were you ever a fan of this show or Elizabeth Montgomery? Have a great day!Yours,sCe

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Monday, November 30, 2009

Ladies, just a quick update post, check out Fantabulously Frugal for the greatest 3 giveaways! She has things like Gucci sunglasses and a Kate Spade passport cover! Her blog is great too, so check her out!

Being Home has been an absolute blast. I love being with friends and family, enjoying good food and even better company. I am headed back to Virginia for just a short time for finals, before my parents pick me up for Christmas Break and from there we are headed on a little "mini-vacation" to Washington, DC with dear family friends to enjoy seeing Washington all decorated for Christmas! I wanted to share one of the greatest songs with you all, it's an old one, but it never gets old! Kenny Loggin's "Celebrate Me Home".

Make sure whenever your loved ones come home for the holidays that you Celebrate them home. Have a wonderful day!Yours,sCe

Saturday, November 28, 2009

I have forever been a fan of the move Home Alone. Of course, over the holiday it was on several times and every time I watch it, I cannot help but to drool over the Illinois house. According to Wikipedia, it is located in 671 Lincoln Avenue in Winnetka, Illinois. Winnetka is a suburb of Chicago around 19 miles north of the city. Along with the Father of the Bride house, this $2.2 house is a favorite. It is classic, and even for the movie being almost 20 years old, the house still appeals to me. I found this great website that shows tons of different pictures of scenes from the movie and scenes that are taken in the actual house, click here to check it out!I absolutely love the many windows, especially the very top two sticking out from the roof. The grounds are kept so lovely too, making this house have even more curb appeal.I love the printed wallpaper. Most of the times, I think it looks very tacky, and in this case, it does give off the 90's vibe, but I'm ok with that.The green color used on many of the upstairs walls almost reminds me of the Greenbrier resort in West Virginia. Nothing in the house it too matchy and there are many vibrant colors, but they all seem to mix perfectly. Do you absolutely love this house as much as I do? Have a wonderful day!Yours,sCe

Thursday, November 26, 2009

"In the year 1621, the Pilgrims held their first Thanksgiving feast. They invited the great Indian chief Massasoit, who brought ninety of his brave Indians and a great abundance of food. Governor William Bradford and Captain Miles Standish were honored guests. Elder William Brewster, who was a minister, said a prayer that went something like this: 'We thank God for our homes and our food and our safety in a new land. We thank God for the opportunity to create a new world for freedom and justice." - Linus, A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Tonight I went to a great restaurant with m family called Avenue B. It's a new restaurant that my parents were lucky enough to go to the opening of. They loved it so much, they brought along my sister and I as well as my aunt, uncle, and grandparents. It was out of this world, simply fabulous. I had pecan crusted walleye with wilted spinach and spaghetti squash in a pomegranate beurre blanc sauce. I have never had a more delicious fish dish! So if you are ever in the Pittsburgh area, I highly suggest you to check out Avenue B. It's located in Shadyside, Pittsburgh. On that note, I have looked up an amazing recipe on allrecipes.com that has spaghetti squash in it. I fell in love with it tonight, and with squash in season, it's a perfect dish! I would love to share it all with you, and I hope to make it sometime this week!

Ingredients

1 spaghetti squash, halved lengthwise and seeded

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

1 onion, chopped

1 clove garlic, minced

1 1/2 cups chopped tomatoes

3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese

3 tablespoons sliced black olives

2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil

Directions

Place spaghetti squash cut sides down on the prepared baking sheet, and bake 30 minutes in the preheated oven, or until a sharp knife can be inserted with only a little resistance. Remove squash from oven, and set aside to cool enough to be easily handled.

Meanwhile, heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Saute onion in oil until tender. Add garlic, and saute for 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in the tomatoes, and cook only until tomatoes are warm.

Use a large spoon to scoop the stringy pulp from the squash, and place in a medium bowl. Toss with the sauteed vegetables, feta cheese, olives, and basil. Serve warm.

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Last week I wrote about John Mayer's new Album that came out on November 17 called Battle Studies. Well let me just say, his song called "Heartbreak Warfare" is simply amazing. I encourage you all to check it out! I was lucky enough to see a recording of his live concert at the Beacon Theatre in New York City on the Fuse channel and it was SO good. If you have verizon fios, it's channel 716. It's my new favorite channel and definitely worth checking out. A few nights ago, they had a Dave Matthews Band concert on there which was amazing too.

This is from the recorded performance! It's so great live! Also, staying on the topic of music, Dave Matthews Band is coming to a theater near you December 11-17. When I saw New Moon (which if you have not heard, it is the largest grossing opening day box office film on recording according to the wall street journal.) Dave Matthews in 3d will be in theaters for just one week, and I am so excited to see this! I have been a Dave fan forever, and have seen him live countless times. I even went to NYC for a long weekend to see him and Tim Reynolds play at Radio City Music Hall which was incredible! So all of you DMB fans mark your calendars for December 11-17!Have a wonderful day!!Yours,sCe

Monday, November 23, 2009

I love love love wearing holiday themed items whether it be a red and green pin, or go all out in a red and green outfit. I love the Vineyard Vines Santa Hat Headband, it is understated, but also festive!

$30

L.L. Bean also has their seasonal Boat and Tote bags out! How cute would this look with a chunky sweater and jeans, just going to a casual lunch! Or even cuter, you could put some goodies in it and give it as goodie bag at your holiday party! This would also be darling for a little girl to carry her loot in! $22

Plus this week in the Target $1 section, I snagged a super cute red and green grosgrain ribbon bow headband! When it makes it's debut, I'll be sure to post a picture! Have you snagged any adorable holiday accessories!? I'd love to know!! Have a wonderful day!Yours,sCe